Proper tennis court maintenance is essential for ensuring optimal playability, safety, and longevity of your investment. Regular care not only enhances the playing experience but also prevents costly repairs down the line.
Daily and Weekly Maintenance Tasks
Incorporating these simple routines into your court management will help maintain court quality between professional servicing:
- Remove debris promptly. Leaves, twigs, and other organic materials can stain court surfaces if left too long, especially when wet.
- Sweep regularly. Use a soft-bristle push broom or specialized court brush to remove dirt and small debris.
- Clean spills immediately. Food, beverages, or other substances can stain or damage court surfaces.
- Manage water. After rain, use a foam roller or specialized squeegee to remove standing water from court depressions.
Pro Tip:
Install court rules signage that prohibits inappropriate footwear, food/drinks, bicycles, and skateboards on your court surface to prevent unnecessary damage.
Monthly Maintenance Procedures
More thorough maintenance should be performed on a monthly basis to address developing issues before they worsen:
- Clean court thoroughly. Wash the entire court with a mild detergent solution and soft brushes to remove dirt, mildew, and algae.
- Inspect for small cracks. Identifying and addressing minor cracking early can prevent more serious damage.
- Check net tension and height. Regulation net height is 36 inches at the sidelines and 34 inches at center.
- Inspect court lines. Look for fading, peeling, or damage to court lines.
Professional court cleaning in progress with specialized equipment
Seasonal and Annual Maintenance
These more intensive maintenance procedures should be scheduled annually or seasonally depending on your climate and court usage:
- Professional pressure washing. This removes embedded dirt and contaminants that regular cleaning can't address.
- Crack filling and patching. Repair any cracks or surface damage that have developed.
- Evaluate court surface. Assess wear patterns and surface integrity to determine if resurfacing is needed.
- Check drainage systems. Clear any blockages in drainage channels or systems around the court.
- Inspect court equipment. Check posts, nets, and other equipment for damage or wear.
When to Schedule Professional Resurfacing
Even with excellent maintenance, tennis courts eventually require professional resurfacing. Here are signs that it's time to resurface:
- Significant color fading across large sections of the court
- Rough texture or "dead spots" affecting ball bounce
- Multiple cracks or networks of cracks (alligatoring)
- Persistent puddling that doesn't drain properly
- Widespread peeling or flaking of the surface coating
Most courts benefit from resurfacing every 4-8 years, depending on usage levels, maintenance practices, and climate conditions. In regions with freeze-thaw cycles, resurfacing might be needed more frequently.
Maintenance Calendar Summary
| Frequency | Tasks |
|---|---|
| Daily/Weekly | Remove debris, sweep court, clean spills |
| Monthly | Thorough cleaning, crack inspection, net adjustment |
| Annually | Professional cleaning, patch repairs, drainage check |
| 4-8 Years | Professional resurfacing |
Winter Maintenance Considerations
In regions with cold winters, proper winterization helps protect your court from freeze-thaw damage:
- Clean the court thoroughly before winter
- Remove net and store posts if possible
- Address any drainage issues to prevent water accumulation
- Consider a court cover for premium protection
- Never use salt or chemical ice melters on court surfaces
With proper maintenance, your tennis court will provide years of enjoyable play while maintaining its aesthetic appeal and optimal performance characteristics. When you do need professional assistance with court maintenance or resurfacing, our team at Play Hardscapes is ready to help ensure your court remains in top condition.
